The best way to get the most out of each lecture is to read the text assignment before the lecture. This first reading should not be a detailed study of the material, but rather a quick skim to acquaint yourself with some of the terms likely to be used and with the general subject matter. You should try to get the main ideas, that is, the major concepts being introduced. Scan the chapter(s) looking for titles, subtitles, bold faced words, italics, figures and figure legends, tables, summary statements, etc. This first reading will provide the framework into which you can place the lecture, vocabulary terms and definitions, and the facts that you will be expected to learn. In some cases you will find that the lecture does not follow the order of the text and omits materials in the text. Occasionally the lecture will cover material not in the text. Remember that the text is intended to provide basic background information as well as supplemental material to assist you in understanding the lecture material.
Do you have a problem in taking notes during lectures? The difficulty can often be traced to trying to write down too much rather than too little. Do you become so intent on recording everything said during a lecture that you do not really hear what is said. To avoid the problem, try to identify the key terms and concepts which are dealt with in each lecture. Then try to identify the various examples or illustrations of these key ideas, making quick notes of the major terms, ideas and examples.
You will find that lecture notes taken in this way are relatively sketchy and, therefore, that it is important to take the next step. After lecture, spend 10 or 15 minutes reading and fleshing out your lecture notes while the material is still fresh in your mind. Whenever possible, do this review job right after lecture. (If you must go to another class, get to the review job as soon as possible.) Resist The Temptation To Put It Off. This 15 minute period is the time to find out what you missed or did not understand fully. Ten to fifteen minutes spent with your notes right after class are more valuable than 60 minutes spent the night before the examination. You should reread the portions of the text which covers those areas with which you are having difficulties. If you find that you still are having difficulty with some point from the lecture or your reading, come to the Discussion Sessions on Fridays, send me eMail, ask questions. Don't put off getting clarification until the end of the term.
If you follow the suggested procedures, you should find that studying for exams will be fairly straight forward. You will have read all of the assigned text at least once and you will have up-to-date notes to review. You should then reread the material for any subjects with which you are still having trouble. If your review is spread out over a week before the exam, you will be able to take advantage of the Discussion period to get any help you need.
If you feel that you need extensive help outside of class then take advantage of the free tutoring services and study skills help at the Teaching Center, or contact a personal tutor. Information on both of these alternatives is available on a tutors page in this website.
If, after the first exam, you find that you did not do as well as you hoped, remember that all is not lost. You still have 75% of your grade yet to earn. If you feel that you studied for the exam and still did not do well, then you must take steps to find out what went wrong. This is an important, and often neglected, aspect of studying. Even if you do well on an exam, you will find an after-examination review to be very valuable. Go through the exam, question by question. Ask yourself: "Why didn't I answer this question correctly? Was the material in my notes? If not, why not? Was it that I had the material but just didn't remember it or did I misunderstand the material? " Based on you analysis of what went wrong, you should be in a position to correct the problem before the next exam. If you can't solve the problem by yourself, get help - see your instructor.
Please don't ever feel bashful about contacting me - remember that I am here to help you to learn.
Finally, a word about my general outlook. While I am willing and anxious to provide you with all the help I can, the responsibility for learning the material rests with YOU the student. With a few exceptions, which will be explicitly noted, you are responsible for material covered in lecture and all the material in the assigned chapters. You may find that to understand fully the material you have to read more extensively in the text. It even may be that some of you will need to look into other texts to clarify some topics.
It is almost certainly true that just physically coming to lectures and discussions will not be enough. You must take an active role in acquiring an understanding of biology. Remember, learning is not a spectator sport.